Joliet, Ill. – University of St. Francis (USF) faculty members Dr. Joyce Kraus and Dr. Karen Blaha co-authored a journal article that examines the creation of diverse learning environments through the lens of Franciscan values. The article, “Building Culturally Responsive Learning Environments Through Franciscan Values Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities,” was published on September 17, 2024 in Volume 16 of the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities’ online journal.
Through the journal article, Kraus and Blaha detail specifics on how they work together at USF, a Hispanic-Serving-Institution approximately one hour southwest of Chicago, to infuse the institution’s Franciscan values of respect, compassion, service and integrity, into teaching preparation and practices that result in culturally responsive learning experiences for both students and faculty.
“Culturally responsive education holds the same views, in that all students bring to the classroom a set of unique experiences, learning and backgrounds that impact how they make connections to new learning,” said Kraus.
“Faculty are active participants in creating their learning environment and facilitating discourse among themselves and their students mindful of Franciscan values and the inherent dignity and worth of all people. Support for faculty to be servant leaders is an essential part of the process and practice of building a culturally responsive classroom,” Blaha added.
To read the full journal article, visit https://franciscancollegesuniversities.org/journal-entry-3/.
Joyce Kraus, DSW, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, is the Director of Field Education and is an Assistant Professor of Social Work in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Francis in Joliet.
Karen Blaha, Ed.D., is an Assistant Professor of Education in the College of Education at the University of St. Francis in Joliet.
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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 3,300 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.
University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.
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